Beef Braciole

INGREDIENTS

• 6 thin slices boneless top round – about 2 pounds, preferably sliced ⅛-inch to ¼-inch but no more
• 12 cloves garlic
• ½ cup finely chopped Italian parsley – (flat-leaf parsley), plus more for garnish
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese – plus more for serving if desired
• 2 tablespoons seasoned dry breadcrumbs
• salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• 12 thin slices prosciutto
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups dry red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28-ounce) crushed tomatoes – preferably a good imported Italian brand
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 2 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flou
• 6 thin slices boneless top round – about 2 pounds, preferably sliced ⅛-inch to ¼-inch but no more

INSTRUCTIONS

• Cut top-round slices in half widthwise so that you have 12 equal pieces. Place beef between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently pound to ¼ to ⅛-inch thickness.
• Mince 4 cloves of garlic; slice the remaining 8 cloves.
• Combine minced garlic, parsley, cheese, breadcrumbs, salt and black pepper in a small bowl. Place a prosciutto slice over the beef then sprinkle filling evenly over the proscuitto.
• Roll the beef into a cylinder, tucking in the sides to hold in the filling as you roll. Secure with toothpicks.
• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Place the beef rolls, seam side down in the pot and brown seam side first to seal it. Cook, turning the meat occasionally until each roll is nicely browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate.
• Add the wine and the sliced garlic. Bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Add beef broth, tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Place beef rolls back in the pot and bring back to a simmer.
• Cover and cook on low heat, turning occasionally until beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 1 ½ hours. Alternately, cook covered in a 325-degree oven for 1 ½-2 hours or in a slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high, 5-6 hours on medium or 7-8 hours on low.
• To thicken, place pot back on the stove if cooked in the oven. Remove some of the hot cooking liquid to a bowl. Add the flour and stir until smooth to create a slurry. Slowly add it to the hot cooking liquid, bring to a slow simmer and cook until thickened.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove toothpicks and serve over pasta with additional grated cheese if desired

NOTES

• Fill, brown and place in pot with sauce and refrigerate. Proceed with cooking as directed.
• Cook, cool and refrigerate. Reheat when needed in the oven, on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
• If cooking on the stovetop, you may not need the flour to thicken the sauce because of how the sauce will reduce.
• FREEZER-FRIENDLY:  Cool thoroughly then place in an airtight container.  Store in the freezer for 1-2 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator then reheat in a 350-degree oven until heated through.
  

  NUTRITION

• Serving: 2 | Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 63g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 832mg | Potassium: 1006mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 584IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 275mg | Iron: 6mg